ActionAid Association

ActionAid Association and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) launched the Summer Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics(STEM) Library at BMC Deonar School, Mumbai, Maharashtra, creating a fun space where children can learn through books, science activities, and creative experiments. The library is helping children from government schools improve reading habits, curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Students are excited to explore, learn, and discover new ideas during their summer holidays. This initiative is making learning joyful, meaningful, and inspiring for hundreds of children from marginalized communities. #STEMLearning #EducationForAll @sndeep

ActionAid Association, in collaboration with CCWD, organized a Bal Mela at Gadakana Kalyani Sahi, Gadakana, Bhubaneswar, focusing on environmental education and biodiversity protection for children living in urban informal settlements. As urban slum communities remain among the most vulnerable to climate change and environmental degradation, the initiative aimed to create awareness among children through interactive learning and creative engagement. Through eco-games, workshops, and fun activities, children explored sustainable practices and learned the importance of protecting natural ecosystems. The Bal Mela served as a meaningful step towards nurturing environmentally conscious young leaders and encouraging grassroots action for a more sustainable future. @sndeep

At the ActionAid Association Workers Facilitation Center (WFC) in Bhubaneswar, eight informal workers, including unorganised and construction workers, along with a student, accessed support services related to labour welfare and social security entitlements. The assistance provided included labour card renewals, follow-up on pending applications, profile updates, and support in applying for educational benefits under the Odisha Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board scheme. Through its ongoing efforts, the WFC continues to support workers and their families in accessing welfare services and government entitlements efficiently and on time. @sndeep

International Hawkers Day is a recognition of the millions of street vendors and hawkers who sustain cities through their labour, resilience and entrepreneurship. From selling vegetables, food and clothes to providing essential daily services, hawkers are an indispensable part of the urban economy and the everyday life of communities. Yet, despite their contribution, hawkers continue to face eviction drives, harassment, insecure livelihoods and exclusion from urban planning processes. The day is therefore not only a celebration of their work, but also a call to uphold their rights, dignity and access to public spaces. Street hawkers’ organisations across India have consistently demanded an end to forced evictions and confiscation drives, proper implementation of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, democratic functioning of Town Vending Committees, legal vending certificates for all vendors, access to social security and welfare schemes, and recognition of hawkers as workers who contribute to the economic and social life of cities. In India and across the Global South, street vendors represent the spirit of survival, self-employment and people-centred economies. International Hawkers Day reminds us that truly inclusive cities are built not by excluding the working poor, but by recognising hawkers as legitimate workers and equal citizens with a right to the city. @sndeep

ActionAid Association facilitated the formation of a Children’s Club in Chingermuda village under Muribahal Block, Bhubaneswar, with the active participation of 53 children. During the programme, the President and Secretary of the Children’s Club were selected, and discussions were held on the club’s objectives, roles, and future activities. The date for the monthly meeting was also finalized, encouraging greater participation, leadership, and collective learning among children in the community. @sndeep

ActionAid Association, with support from the Mukul Madhav Foundation and Finolex Industries Ltd., organized a Career Counselling Meeting in Bachhara village under Pattamundai Block of Kendrapara district, Odisha. The meeting was facilitated by the ActionAid team in the presence of Lisa Pradhan, Faculty-cum-Trainer of the Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI), Community Resource Persons (CRPs), Master Book Keepers (MBKs), and community members. Discussions focused on 62 types of vocational training opportunities, with special emphasis on jute training. Ten participants expressed interest in joining the jute training programme, and more than 30 community members actively participated in the session. @sndeep

Africa Day commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity on 25 May 1963, now the African Union, and celebrates the rich cultures, histories and resilience of the continent. Building on last year’s theme and a decade long commitment to redress enduring impacts of colonialism, transatlantic slave trade and systemic exploitation, this year’s focus on sustainability and water highlights the urgency of safeguarding our shared future through equitable and resilient resource stewardship. The relationship between the peoples of Africa and the peoples of India, is rooted in shared and enduring histories going back to ancient times, the anti-colonial struggles, South-South solidarity, and the vision of a more democratic and equitable world order. From the Bandung Conference to contemporary collaborations on climate justice, public health, food sovereignty and sustainable development, India and Africa continue to shape the voice of the Global South. At a time when inequalities between nations are deepening and conflicts continue to scar humanity, Africa Day also reminds us that the future of the world depends on stronger solidarities across the Global South — solidarities rooted not in domination, but in justice, cooperation, and the shared aspirations of peoples. “India and Africa share histories of resistance, resilience and the dream of a more just world. This Africa Day, we celebrate the enduring solidarity between the peoples of the Global South, and the role the peoples of Africa play in bringing to all justice, dignity, equality and self-determined development.” ~ Sandeep Chachra, Executive Director, ActionAid Association @sndeep

On the eve of International day of Biodiversity across 18 villages in Sambalpur district, Odisha the Juba Sathi team of Actionaid Association engaged children in interactive activities to strengthen children’s participation and build awareness on climate change and environmental protection. Through discussions, creative message-sharing, and photo collection activities, children voiced their concerns, experiences, and ideas on environmental issues affecting their communities. Over 200 children enthusiastically participated in the initiative. The activities not only enhanced children’s understanding of climate and environmental challenges but also created a platform for them to emerge as young environmental advocates, contributing towards building safer and more sustainable communities. #ClimateAction #ChildParticipation @sndeep #YouthVoices #ActionAidAssociation #Biodiversity

Celebrating the colours of nature and the creativity of young minds on International Day of Biodiversity. @sndeep

ActionAid Association has launched a youth-led Climate Justice Campaign in Sambalpur, Odisha, bringing together the energy and commitment of 35 young leaders. Through this initiative, the campaign has reached 20 villages, spreading awareness about environmental protection and inspiring communities to take collective action against climate change. The movement is empowering young people and villagers to join hands for a greener future. #ClimateJustice #YouthForChange @sndeep

ActionAid Association in collaboration with SBI Foundation and SBI Life Insurance held two meetings in Radhanagar under Taranagar Block and Basanti Block of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, 50 participants attended each session. Women engaged in mangrove plantation work shared how they are contributing to climate resilience efforts while also building pathways toward economic independence and self-reliance. As part of their journey towards skill development, the women have invested their hard-earned income to learn fabric painting, reflecting their creativity, determination, and aspirations for sustainable livelihoods. During the programme, a handmade mangrove-themed fabric painting was presented as a token of appreciation to representatives from SBI Foundation and SBI Life Insurance, showcasing the women’s newly acquired skills and artistic expression. #SBIFoundation#SBILife @sndeep

ActionAid Association in collaboration with Mukul Madhav Foundation and Finolex Industries Ltd is supporting the Adishakti Women’s Collective Group in Nursinghpur village, Kendrapara, Odisha, to build sustainable livelihoods through mushroom cultivation. The initiative is helping women strengthen collective farming practices, increase household incomes, and advance towards greater economic empowerment.

ActionAid Association and the Centre for Child and Women Development (CCWD) conducted an awareness session for 50 children from Patharbandha Slum in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The session focused on important topics such as child rights, education, hygiene, proper handwashing practices, and heatwave safety. This initiative empowered children to stay safe, healthy, and confident while promoting a supportive community that prioritises their well-being and future. #ChildRights #SafeChildhood @sndeep

ActionAid Association organized a community meeting on facilitating access to social and economic entitlements at Ishaneswar Slum, Bhubaneswar. The session focused on creating awareness about the Unorganised Workers Board, the Nirman Shramik Board, and the benefits available through labour cards. As part of the initiative, five Unorganised Workers Cards processed through the WFC(Worker Facilitation Centre) camp were distributed to workers. The meeting also included a discussion on minimum wages and valuable insights were shared which helped participants better understand their rights and entitlements. @sndeep

ActionAid Association organized a group meeting with members of the Maa Bimbalei Women’s Collective in Aradapoli village, Pattamundai, Kendrapara, Odisha, to discuss livelihood opportunities through flower cultivation. The meeting focused on exploring sustainable income-generating activities for women, identifying challenges, and strengthening future support mechanisms. The interaction created a space for collective planning and dialogue towards enhancing livelihoods and advancing women’s economic empowerment. @sndeep

ActionAid Association in partnership with Centre for Child and Women Development (CCWD), organized an awareness programme in Aurobinda Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha for informal workers on the 74th Constitutional Amendment related to Urban Local Bodies. Discussions focused on land and housing rights, ward budgeting, ward committees, area sabhas, and benefits under the Nirman Shramik ID card. More than 55 workers and social workers learned about their rights, government schemes, and ways to engage with local bodies to demand better services and entitlements. #InformalWorkers #UrbanRights @sndeep

ActionAid Association organized a training session on Mazdoor Pathshala by the Tribal Workers’ Organisation for local-level members from Ammathi, Mayamudi, Kaikeri, and Ponnampet panchayats, Karnatka.The training focused on issues faced by workers living in line houses, wage code provisions, and the role of tribal workers’ organisations and coffee plantation workers’ unions. Discussions were also held on the differences between unions and organisations, strengthening workers’ awareness and collective action. @sndeep

ActionAid Association organized a community meeting in Nayagaon village, Madhya Pradesh where women were informed about the Mazdoor Pathshala meetings and their importance. Discussions were also held on linking women with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to strengthen collective support, awareness, and livelihood opportunities. @sndeep

ActionAid Association held a meeting in Mallapuram, Yadadri, Telangana with Rural Development officials and MGNREGS( Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme) workers. Workers shared their challenges, and officials acted quickly to resolve issues, boosting confidence. This built trust, transparency, and stronger coordination between workers and authorities—bringing real support and positive change for the community. #EmpoweringCommunities #RuralDevelopment @sndeep